I'm not doing street photography per se, but I am working a lot outdoors in London at the moment.The security guards make me grin ... I see them coming ... know exactly how the conversation will go, and like seeing their reaction when I explain the way things are Most of them are actually very polite and friendly, and I often end up chatting and telling them what I'm doing - but only after they acknowledge that it's none of their business.

I think ' ing people off' might not lead to the best photos, but who knows? A project on confrontation perhaps? ;-)

Be quick, discreet, move ...the good old hyperfocal technique... Look at the work of HCB and weep ... I was in Stockholm last week - there's a big exhibition of his work (I'd go and see that if it's touring) - He had a beautiful, deft touch - very remarkable work.

Photographer

01 April 2013 12:29

BenwellHopperPhotographerLocationUnited KingdomTyne and Wearnewcastle upon tyne

Look like you belong on the street and dont try to take sneaky shots...Its a knack and takes practice not for the timid....

The general rule seems to be to 'look' past the person at something happening behind / beside them......both before and after the photo. And be quick...you should have the shot framed in your head before pointing the camera.

In some situations it might be quite 'busy' so anything goes. Or try smiling and then take a photo.

Quote from anthonyh
The general rule seems to be to 'look' past the person at something happening behind / beside them......both before and after the photo. And be quick...you should have the shot framed in your head before pointing the camera.

That's pretty much how Joel Meyerowitz shoots. There was a six part BBC documentary called The History of Photography (or something like that, it's available on DVD) and you see him putting his technique to good use in part of it.

When you are dead, you do not know that you are dead. All of your pain is felt by others. The same thing happens when you are stupid.

Have a look at the work of Jay Maisel. There are some videos about of him at work.It does require a certain frame of mind. Also, the RPS has a great little credit card sized legal advice card which is worth carrying. The most difficult part is establishing which parts of our high streets are actually private property - and security does have a right to move you on.

Zone focus if you can with a wide angle and get in close - people are less intimidated if you are closer to them rather than at a distance taking 'sneaky' shots - plus your photos will be far better. Fumble with your camera as well - Winogrand uses this technique and it does work.

Wide enough lens and you can stand beside your subject and they think you are photographing behind them.Carry two cameras. A huge big one on a neck strap and a little one that you take the photographs with tucked in your hand. Once upon a time you could convince people it was your light meter. No one knows what one those is these days!

Who but a jazz man would say of Bridget Bardot, "Man, what key is she in?"